DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2025.v13i02.023

Pages: 430-436

Background: The sternum exhibits notable sexual dimorphism and serves as a valuable tool in forensic sex determination. However, population-specific standards are essential for accurate assessment. This study aimed to analyze sexual dimorphism in human sterna from the Bangladeshi population through comprehensive morphometric analysis. Methods: We examined 150 dry adult human sterna (85 male, 65 female) collected from Dhaka Medical College from January 2022 to December 2022. Multiple parameters were measured using digital slide calipers, flexible wire, and analog micrometers, including lengths, breadths, and thicknesses of the manubrium and mesosternum. Shape variations were documented, and various indices were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired Student's t-test, with significance set at p<0.005. Results: Significant sexual dimorphism was observed in most direct measurements. The manubrium length (male: 49.06 ± 1.59 mm, female: 41.85 ± 1.20 mm), mesosternum length (male: 99.89 ± 2.27 mm, female: 85.73 ± 1.84 mm), and manubrium volume (male: 27204.71 ± 1476.81 mm³, female: 18083.79 ± 1124.34 mm³) showed particularly strong dimorphism (p<0.001). Trapezoid-shaped manubrium was predominant in both sexes (male: 80.00%, female: 75.40%). Interestingly, while direct measurements showed significant differences, derived indices such as the manubrium index and sternal angle showed no significant sexual dimorphism. Conclusion: This study establishes population-specific standards for sternal measurements in the Bangladeshi population. The findings suggest that direct measurements, particularly of manubrium and mesosternum lengths, provide more reliable indicators for sex determination than derived indices. These results have important applications in both forensic anthropology and clinical practice, particularly in thoracic surgery planning.